Page M-5 — V-8 Engines

An enhanced reproduction of the original Pontiac Sales Manual used in 1968 showrooms which described all the equipment that was available on the Firebird. This album has become a rare and valuable resource.

1968 Pontiac Sales Manual

1968 V-8 ENGINES

350 and 350 H.O. V-8 Engines. All-new and specifically engineered to provide a well-balanced blend of responsive performance and quiet, ultra-smooth operation. The thrifty 350-cubic-inch, 2-BBL, regular-fuel engine is standard on Firebird 350 and optional at extra cost on Tempest, Tempest Custom, Le Mans and Tempest Safari. It has compression ration of 9.2:1 and rated brake horsepower of 265 at 4500 rpm. Engine torque is 355 pound-feet at 2800 rpm. The more powerful 350-cubic-inch “high-output” engine utilizes a 4-BBL Quadra-jet carburetor and premium fuel. This engine, standard on Firebird H.O., is available at extra cost on Tempest, Tempest Custom (except Station Wagon) and Le Mans. Having a compression ratio of 10.5:1, the engine’s rated brake horsepower is 320 at 5100 rpm and the torque is 380 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. (See pages M-1, M-2 and M-3 for features and specifications, and “Power Train” sub-section for power team combinations.)

400-Cu.In. V-8 Engines. Continually praised for its smooth, responsive performance and rugged dependability, this popular V-8 power plant remains the standard bearer for Firebird 400, GTO, Catalina, Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix. With several variations in engine ratings to choose from, the new car buyer may select the balance of performance and economy that will best suit his personal driving needs. These ratings range from 265 horsepower in the 2-BBL, regular-fuel version to 360 horsepower in the “high-output” 4-BBL, premium-fuel version. Compression ratios range from 8.6:1 to 10.75:1. Both engines are equipped with a 4-BBL Quadra-jet carburetor. (See pages M-1, M-2 and M-3 for features and specifications, and “Power Train” sub-section for power team combinations.)

428 and 428 H.O. V-8 Engines. The extra power and smooth, effortless throttle response of these premium-fuel engines provide added pleasure to city and highway driving alike. The 428-cubic-inch version, optional at extra cost on Catalina, Executive, Bonneville and Grand Prix, has a rated horsepower of 375 at 4800 rpm, engine torque of 472 pound-feet at 3200 rpm, and compression ratio of 10.5:1. The 428 “high output” version, also optional at extra cost on the above series, has a horsepower rating of 390 at 5200 rpm, an engine torque of 465 pound-feet at 3400 rpm, and compression ratio of 10.75:1. Both engines are equipped with a 4-BBL Quadra-jet carburetor. (See pages M-1, M-2 and M-3 for features and specifications, and “Power Train” sub-section for power team combinations.)

400-Cu.-In. “Ram Air” V-8 Engines. Designed exclusively for Firebird 400 and GTO buyers who demand the ultimate in action-packed performance. Cold air, introduced through the special twin air scoops located on the hood of Firebird 400 and GTO, enters a large plenum chamber mounted on the carburetor. This cold air significantly increases engine efficiency and helps to develop full engine power. Equipped with a 4-BBL Quadra-jet carburetor, this premium-fuel engine boasts a compression ratio of 10.75:1. Rated brake horsepower is 335 at 5300 rpm for Firebird 400 and 360 at 5400 rpm for GTO. Engine torque is 4300 pound-feet at 3600 rpm for Firebird 400 and 445 pound-feet at 3800 rpm for GTO. (See pages M-1, M-2 and M-3 for features and specifications, and “Power Train” sub-section for power team combinations.)